Amsterdam (NH): H.H. Martelaren van Gorcum (A.J. Kropholler, 1924-1928)

The Linnaeushof in Amsterdam was built as a catholic enclave in the Watergraafsmeer neighbourhood. When he made the plans for the complex, architect Kropholler took inspiration from the beguinage in Amsterdam's old centre. At the central point of the complex came a church, which was surrounded by houses and other buildings. Kropholler designed the houses and the church himself, while other architects designed schools and a convent. Just like the beguinage, the Linnaeushof is hidden from direct view, and can be accessed from three directions. The church, named after the martyrs of Gorcum, is one of Kropholler's most important works.
It's a big christocentric church in Traditionalist style, with a wide three-aisled nave and a square crossing-tower. The sparse light inside is provided by many narrow windows. Buttresses are much heavier than strictly necessary, not unusual for Krtopholler's churches. The facade is a single, flat and massive brick wall without much interruptions and with only a little decoration in the form of a few pieces of natural stone and one of the animal sculptures that often feature at Kropholler's churches, this time of a pelican feeding its young, a symbol for Christ, made by J. Mendes de Costa. Both inside and outside all materials used are instantly recognizable.